Chattanooga Is Home

My routine the last four days included a quick walk down the block and to the site of St. Elmo’s Playground. For the first three days I was on the sidelines, wrangling my two year old and taking pictures. Yesterday my husband took over the role of toddler wrangler and photographer so I could get my hands dirty (literally). It gave me a chance to feel like I really did help with the neighborhood project.

It was a long day that included lots of sun (with Bullfrog donated by Chattanooga’s own Chattem), coating the wood with EPL, sanding corners, installing the perimeter fence, hanging the Van Gogh inspired mural, pouring concrete, and finally, testing the actual equipment. During the day Mayor Littlefield stopped by to see our progress, which was uplifting to see part of the city supporting our efforts. (Our own Councilman Rico was also there, shoveling mulch and digging dirt.)

The process of getting a playground in our neighborhood started over two years ago, during a time when controversy covered the land. Two different sides wanted different things for the old Recreation Center, and it divided our neighborhood. The plan for the space is the result of mediation and hard work by many people. To have this weekend finally happen really moved me and gave me hope that our neighborhood is healing from that very rough time.

There are several moments from the weekend that stuck in my mind as inspiration for our neighborhood’s future. But the installation of the slide is what I want to share:

On day three, many people got together to move the 32 foot slide to the tree fort. The people standing around the slide were of different races, male, female, short, tall, and from all over the economic spectrum. The coordination and strength this task took symbolizes the strength and coordination we need to become one as a community. As long as we all pitch in to help, it will happen.

We knew that the playground would help bring people together during the build and after, and I am looking forward to getting to know our neighbors even more while Fuller learns to conquer his fear of slides. I am getting back into a routine here at home, and I know that there is more to Chattanooga besides a new playground in St. Elmo. But remember that this blog is called Chattanooga is Home and at the heart of it, St. Elmo really is my home.
[tags]Chattanooga, St. Elmo, St. Elmo playground, Mayor Littlefield, Councilman Rico[/tags]